Walking the Camino de Santiago

Arrive at your historic hotel in the heart of Leon. There are masses of

restaurants and tapas bars on your doorstep, so we've left the choice up to

you for dinner tonight.Comfortable Hotel

Your day starts with a guided tour of Leon's magnificent gothic Cathedral

which is often called the 'House of Light' and a visit to the Basilica of San

Isidoro, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain and resting

place of Leon's mediaeval monarchs. You will then receive your pilgrims

passport. We then provide a transfer (1hr) to Cruz de Ferro, the highest

point on the Camino, marked by a pre-Roman cross. The Camino winds downhill

through fragrant pines where once the Knights Templar protected pilgrims from

bandit attack. A path lined with wild chestnuts, cherries, peppers and fennel

leads to riverside Molinaseca, known to be one of the most beautiful villages

on the Camino.Two options: Distance 8km/5mi, approx. 2 hours walking or

19km/12mi, approx. 4 hours walking.Comfortable Hotel

After a short transfer (30 mins), you ascend the Rio Valcarce valley,

climbing into moody oak woods strung with lichen and strewn with early purple

orchid. O Cebreiro is a 11th Century village in the heart of the Cordillera

Cantabrica. Walk to the viewpoint above the village for a perfect sunset and

views over four ranges of hills then return along the narrow, cobbled

streets, past traditional thatched houses known as pallozas.Comfortable Hotel

After a short transfer we drop you off at Triacastela. As the Camino meanders

between heather-clad villages overlooking the Monastery of Samos, you can

hear the bells ringing. On reaching Sarria - the antiques capital of Galicia,

you'll be whisked to Javier and Raquel's elegant country rectory (10 mins),

complete with chapel and al fresco dining patio area.Comfortable Hotel

A Roman bridge leads out of Sarria up the Celerio Valley, where you'll

traverse the hamlets of the southern flank of the Sierra del Paramo. Descend

into Portomarin - the original village was drowned by the Belesar Reservoir,

and some remains still shimmer below the surface! Comfortable Hotel

Drop into Portomarin's church then follow the Torres stream, passing between

cornfields lined with ox-eye daisies. Stamp your Pilgrim Passport in country

churches dedicated to the Order of St James before arriving at your

beautifully restored rectory.Comfortable Hotel

Country lanes lead past fortified farmhouses into the hillside town of Palas

de Rei (Palace of the King) as you enter the province of A Coruna. You'll

pass typical, raised Galician granaries, and chickens scamper across narrow

streets as you enter vineyards, with views east to the Montes del

Vacaloura.Comfortable Hotel

Today's first stop is Melide - a thriving country town where tavernas brim

with locals enjoying Galician seafood in specialist pulperias (octopus

restaurants). Drop into the Romanesque church to admire the frescoes, before

lanes lined with bright yellow celandine bring you into the lively market

town of Arzua. Continue on to your elegant manor house, surrounded by

tranquil countryside, just outside the town.Comfortable Hotel

Arzua's colonnaded streets lead into open country where local farmers wear

berets as they tend vines and build haystacks with pitch forks. Your route

rises and falls through river valleys, crossing rushing streams. This evening

you can marvel at Javier's breathtaking converted water mill, where original

machinery has been turned into spectacular period features.Comfortable Hotel

Excitement mounts as you set off towards Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), where

pilgrims of old caught their first glimpse of the spires of Santiago. On

reaching Santiago's historic centre, congratulations are everywhere as a

steady stream of pilgrims reach their journey's end below the cathedral's

spectacular Baroque facade. Drop into the Pilgrim Office to collect your

certificate if you wish, before checking into our historic hotel near the old

marketplace - still a riot of colour!Comfortable Hotel

Enjoy Santiago and the cathedral before taking a taxi to the airport (pay

locally approx 15 euro). Alternatively, stay on for extra nights to explore

this beautiful historic city. Walking through the old streets of Santiago is

a fantastic way to spend your time here, with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque

buildings lining the old town's streets and plazas.